“They Stopped Objecting, and They Glorified God” (Acts 11:1-18)

15, 16. Why did some Jewish Christians contend with Peter, and how did he explain his actions?

¹⁵ No doubt eager to report what had happened, Peter headed for Jerusalem. Evidently, the news that uncircumcised Gentiles had “accepted the word of God” preceded him. Soon after Peter arrived, “the supporters of circumcision began to criticize him.” They were disturbed because he had entered “the house of men who were not circumcised and ate with them.” (Acts 11:1-3) The issue was not whether Gentiles could become followers of Christ. Rather, those Jewish disciples were really insisting that Gentiles needed to observe the Law​—including circumcision—​in order to worship Jehovah acceptably. Clearly, some Jewish disciples had difficulty letting go of the Mosaic Law.

¹⁶ How did Peter explain his actions? According to Acts 11:4-16, he recounted four evidences of heavenly direction: (1) the divine vision he had received (Verses 4-10); (2) the spirit’s command (Verses 11, 12); (3) the angel’s visit to Cornelius (Verses 13, 14); and (4) the pouring out of the holy spirit upon the Gentiles. (Verses 15, 16) Peter concluded with a most compelling question: “If, therefore, God gave the same free gift [of holy spirit] to them [believing Gentiles] that he gave to us [Jews] who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I should be able to hinder God?”​—Acts 11:17.

17, 18. (a) Peter’s testimony posed what test for Jewish Christians? (b) Why can it be a challenge to preserve the unity of the congregation, and what questions do we do well to ask ourselves?

¹⁷ Peter’s testimony posed a crucial test for those Jewish Christians. Would they be able to put aside any traces of prejudice and accept the newly baptized Gentiles as their fellow Christians? The account tells us: “When they [the apostles and other Jewish Christians] heard these things, they stopped objecting, and they glorified God, saying: ‘So, then, God has also granted to people of the nations repentance leading to life.’” (Acts 11:18) That positive attitude preserved the unity of the congregation.

¹⁸ Maintaining unity today can be challenging, for true worshippers have come “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.” (Rev. 7:9) We thus find a diversity of races, cultures, and backgrounds in many congregations. We do well to ask ourselves: ‘Have I rooted out of my heart any traces of prejudice? Am I determined never to let this world’s divisive traits​—including nationalism, tribalism, pride in culture, and racism—​influence the way I treat my Christian brothers?’ Recall what happened to Peter (Cephas) some years after the conversion of the first Gentiles. Yielding to the prejudice of others, he “separated himself” from Gentile Christians and had to be corrected by Paul. (Gal. 2:11-14) Let us keep ever on guard against the snare of prejudice.

“A Great Number Became Believers” (Acts 11:19-26a)

19. Jewish Christians in Antioch began preaching to whom, and with what result?

¹⁹ Did Jesus’ followers start preaching to uncircumcised Gentiles? Notice what happened later in Antioch of Syria.d This city had a large Jewish community, but there was little hostility between Jews and Gentiles. So Antioch offered a favorable atmosphere for preaching to Gentiles. It was here that some Jewish disciples began declaring the good news “to the Greek-speaking people.” (Acts 11:20) This preaching was directed not only to Greek-speaking Jews but also to uncircumcised Gentiles. Jehovah blessed the work, and “a great number became believers.”​—Acts 11:21.

20, 21. How did Barnabas show due modesty, and how can we show similar modesty when fulfilling our ministry?

²⁰ To care for this ripe field, the Jerusalem congregation sent Barnabas to Antioch. The thriving interest evidently was more than he could handle alone. Who was better suited to help out than Saul, who was to become the apostle to the nations? (Acts 9:15; Rom. 1:5) Would Barnabas see Saul as a rival? On the contrary, Barnabas showed due modesty. He took the initiative to go to Tarsus, look for Saul, and bring him back to Antioch to help. Together they spent a year building up the disciples in the congregation there.​—Acts 11:22-26a.

²¹ How can we show modesty in fulfilling our ministry? This quality involves acknowledging our limitations. We all have different strengths and abilities. For example, some may be effective in witnessing informally or from house to house but have difficulty making return visits or starting Bible studies. If you would like to improve in some aspect of the ministry, why not ask for help? By taking such initiative, you may become more productive and reap greater joy in the ministry.​—1 Cor. 9:26.

Sending “Relief to the Brothers” (Acts 11:26b-30)

22, 23. The brothers in Antioch made what expression of brotherly love, and how do God’s people today act similarly?

²² It was first in Antioch that “the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.” (Acts 11:26b) That God-approved name aptly describes those whose way of life is modeled on that of Christ. As people of the nations became Christians, did a bond of brotherhood form between Jewish and Gentile believers? Consider what happened when a great famine occurred about 46 C.E.e In ancient times, famines sorely affected the poor, who had neither reserves of money nor extra food. During this famine, the Jewish Christians living in Judea, many of whom apparently were poor, were in need of provisions. Learning of the need, the brothers in Antioch​—including Gentile Christians—​sent “relief to the brothers living in Judea.” (Acts 11:29) What a genuine expression of brotherly love!

²³ It is no different among God’s people today. When we learn that our brothers​—in another land or in our own area—​are in need, we willingly reach out to help them. Branch Committees quickly organize the formation of Disaster Relief Committees to look after our brothers who may be affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. All such relief efforts demonstrate the genuineness of our brotherhood.​—John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:17.